Unpacking the indirect association between problematic short-form video use and appearance anxiety

TL;DR

Problematic use of short-form videos is linked to appearance anxiety in young adults, partly due to low self-esteem and high boredom.

Contribution

This study identifies self-esteem and boredom proneness as mediators in the relationship between short-form video use and appearance anxiety.

Findings

Problematic short-form video use is strongly associated with appearance anxiety.

Lower self-esteem and higher boredom proneness partially explain this association.

Interventions targeting self-esteem and boredom management may help reduce appearance anxiety.

Abstract

Anxiety about one’s physical appearance is a noteworthy phenomenon in young adults in the digital age. Problematic short-form video use has been linked to appearance anxiety, and self-esteem and boredom proneness may play important roles in this association. The present study revealed that individuals with higher levels of problematic short-form video use were more likely to report appearance anxiety. This association could be partly explained by lower self-esteem and higher boredom proneness, both independently and sequentially. In other words, young adults with more problematic short-form video use tended to have lower self-esteem and to feel bored more easily, which in turn associated with greater anxiety about their appearance. Although these results cannot infer cause and effect, they suggest that enhancing self-esteem and managing boredom may be promising avenues for helping young adults cope with appearance anxiety in the context of short-form video use.

Appearance anxiety has become a growing public health concern among young adults; however, its psychological correlates remain inadequately explored, particularly within the realm of digital media engagement. This study examined the associations between problematic short-form video use and appearance anxiety, and whether self-esteem and boredom proneness accounted for part of this association.

A sample of 411 Chinese college students completed a battery of standardized scales assessing problematic short-form video use, self-esteem, boredom proneness, and appearance anxiety.

Problematic short-form video use showed a large positive association with appearance anxiety. This association was partly explained by self-esteem and boredom proneness, both independently and sequentially, indicating significant indirect paths via lower self-esteem and higher boredom proneness.

These findings indicate that self-esteem and boredom proneness are important correlates linking problematic short-form video use and appearance anxiety among young adults. Although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences, the results point to the potential value of enhancing self-esteem and helping young people manage boredom may be promising avenues for future intervention efforts.

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